Troubled ship leaves Oshawa port

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The German-owned MV Fritz limped into port on July 9 needing engine repairs, with a Russian captain and 18-member Romanian crew who had been forced to ration food and water.

Unloading of the ship began then but was halted by striking sailors upset that they hadn’t been paid.

Port Authority officials worked to provide aid for the crew, contacting both a Romanian church and the Mission to Seafarers who rallied to provide food to the crew while port officials ensured the ship’s containers were filled with fresh water.

After the sailors were paid, they resumed working with local stevedores to unload the ship’s steel cargo and the ship set sail from Oshawa on July 24 bound for Hamilton where the vessel will undergo repairs.

“We’re pleased to report a happy ending,” said Donna Taylor, president and CEO of the Oshawa Port Authority. “Several new crew members have arrived from Poland, while others are staying on. They’ve been paid up, and all are in good spirits.”